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Government launches project to eliminate litter

Location: News

Government launches project to eliminate litter

Government has unveiled an initiative aimed at clearing the 7 251 illegal dumping hotspots in communities across the country – a project which has created more than 37 000 work opportunities.

The Municipal Cleaning and Greening initiative will be implemented in 14 prioritised municipalities across the nine provinces through the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment’s Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) mass employment In-House Model, which allows it to implement and manage projects using its own staff.

“The impact of the 37 049 EPWP participants is visible across the country since their work includes daily cleaning streets, clearing illegal dumping sites, cleaning coastal areas and the revitalization of parks,” Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Barbara Creecy said on Friday.

She made these remarks during the launch of the department’s mass employment programme to augment the Cleaning and Greening initiative in Motherwell, Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality (NMBMM), Gqeberha.

As of 30 September this year, 1 299 or 19 percent of the sites have been cleared.

“Illegal dumping poses a health hazard to communities and undermines community morale and good governance. From an environmental perspective, illegal dumping poses serious risks to livestock, wetlands, rivers and marine and coastal areas.

“As the world moves to find more effective ways to combat plastic pollution, our government is taking more significant steps to improve municipal waste collection, ensure landfill compliance and promote waste recycling,” Creecy said.

The initiative is targeted at cleaning up illegal dump sites in provincial capitals including the City of Cape Town, Sol Plaatjie, Mafikeng, Msunduzi, Polokwane, City of Joburg, City of Ekurhuleni, City of Tshwane, Mogale City, Sedibeng, Mbombela and Mangaung.

In some instances, the cleaning and greening projects have rehabilitated wetlands which are important not only for spiritual or economic reasons but for their ecosystem services as well.

“Here in Nelson Mandela Bay we have identified 512 sites that require cleaning and today we show you some of the 41 sites where we have already begun our work.

“We assisted the municipality to find the budget to purchase a specialised fleet for waste collection; ensured additional refuse collection in to the un-serviced poor areas; supported improvements to waste disposal facilities and worked with the municipality to clear 41 illegal dumping hot spots,” the Minister said.

The greater clean-up programme across the Eastern Cape is creating a total of 8 000 work opportunities.

Municipalities that are part of this programme include Buffalo City Metro and municipalities that fall under Alfred Nzo, OR Tambo, Amatole, Chris Hani, Sarah Baartman and Joe Qabi District Municipalities.

“The Municipal Cleaning and Greening programme is a partnership with provinces and municipalities who assist in recruiting our public works participants and also provide protective clothing, and cleaning materials while we provide the stipend to all participants,” the Minister said.

To ensure sustainability of the programme, the cleaning and greening initiative includes planting trees in the rehabilitated dumping sites.

“We are planting both indigenous trees, in line with the water scarcity of the country, and the fruit trees to contribute towards food security. Communities are responsible for maintaining the trees within their households.

“This initiative is supported by assisting communities to understand the environmental and food security role of trees. A total of 225 000 trees will be planted by government throughout the country during this financial year, with 3000 committed for the Nelson Mandel Bay.”

As total of 2000 trees have been planted and the remaining 1000 will be planted over the next few months.

“The department fully acknowledges that part of the solution to the problem is to change societal attitudes and behaviour and to mobilise the public to begin taking charge and responsibility for keeping their neighbourhoods clean. However, we must also acknowledge that where municipalities have inadequate household waste collection the problem of dumping increases,” the Minister said.

Since the initiation of this programme, the department has processed applications for the specialised waste management vehicles from over 100 municipalities across the country.

In the last two years, government has spent over R164 million to buy 44 waste collection vehicles and 21 landfill management waste vehicles for 58 municipalities. – SAnews.gov.za

 

nosihle
Fri, 11/10/2023 - 11:29

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Research shows how Green Tea is effective in fighting Covid-19 subvariants

Location: MyPR

The extensive health benefits of Green Tea have been enjoyed by cultures across the globe since the 8th Century, and it appears this herbal beverage is now tackling modern illnesses. Researchers have found that Green Tea may help in the fight against Covid-19 as the tea inactivates the virus. Scientists from the Kyoto Prefectural University …

Read moreResearch shows how Green Tea is effective in fighting Covid-19 subvariants

KZN positions to become a technological hub

Location: News

KZN positions to become a technological hub

The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government is accelerating efforts to roll out broadband across the province in order to ensure universal connectivity, and position the province as a technological hub.
 
Speaking at the opening of the KwaZulu-Natal Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) Summit, currently underway at the Durban Exhibition Centre, Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube said as part of KwaZulu-Natal Digital Transformation Strategy, the province aims to deliver a citizen-centric plan which guides the leap to a digitally transformed society. 

“Our strategy is awake to the reality that the province is currently only 27% connected and we have identified the need to accelerate the connectivity of the entire province. Among others, our Digital Transformation Strategy will aid government-to-government interaction across spheres, government-to-citizen interaction, and government-to-business interaction,” Dube-Ncube said.

Held from 09-10 November 2023, the summit brings together digital experts, including stakeholders and representatives from the public and private sectors to discuss and demonstrate the role of technology in improving operations, processes and service delivery for the benefit of the communities in KwaZulu-Natal.

The summit, which is hosted jointly with Vodacom Business and provincial government, is a unique platform for ICT experts, private sector and government leaders to engage and explore cutting-edge technology solutions designed to transform the business landscape.

Themed “Moving KZN Towards a Smart Province”, the summit focuses on turning KwaZulu-Natal into a smart and technology connected province, which leaves no one behind.

Dube-Ncube highlighted that the province is hard at work, and currently rolling out Wi-Fi hotspots and Digi-centres in townships and rural centres, including libraries, schools, health youth zones, and community service centres. 

Work done by the Office of the Premier includes the roll-out of a series of 4IR activations to install Wi-Fi hotspots that will enable schools and citizens to access internet as well as the training of 3 875 youth in four activated districts covering 16 areas. 

“Digital hubs were installed at the schools to enable the learners to have access to equipment [and] teachers were also trained in data science to include in their school’s curriculum, to ensure the learners will be trained on areas of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics.

“All 164 provincial libraries have Wi-Fi connectivity and all hospitals and clinics are connected,” Dube-Ncube said. 

The Premier emphasised the importance of building broadband infrastructure together with the private sector to improve the status of connectivity in the province.

“Partnerships between private and public sector are central and mutually beneficial. We welcome and appreciate the role that the private sector is playing in supporting our vision of positioning KwaZulu-Natal as a Smart Province,” Dube-Ncube said.

Vodacom Business has been working with the government on several connectivity solutions to help the province achieve its universal connectivity targets.

Meanwhile, the Department of Transport is in discussions with the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) to investigate the implementation of an online registration system, which will be piloted in the uMgungundlovu and eThekwini Districts.

The provincial Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) has to date, spent almost R8.6 million in rolling out digital centres across the province. – SAnews.gov.za

 

GabiK
Fri, 11/10/2023 - 10:54

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Diphtheria outbreak at W Cape prison kills inmate

Location: News

Diphtheria outbreak at W Cape prison kills inmate

Health Minister, Dr Joe Phaahla, announced on Thursday an outbreak of diphtheria disease at the Pollsmoor Correctional Centre in the Western Cape, which has since claimed one life. 

A 19-year-old male inmate presented with diphtheria symptoms on 28 October and was referred to the local hospital for further medical care. 

“Throat swabs were collected the same day for culture laboratory testing and the results returned positive five days later on 2 November. Unfortunately, his health condition continued to deteriorate until he regrettably passed away on 5 November,” a statement from the department said.

Diphtheria is a disease caused by bacteria called Corynebacterium diphtheria. 

The bacterium usually affects the mucous membranes of the nose and throat, causing respiratory and skin infections.

Public health measures have since been undertaken to bring the outbreak under control. These include contact tracing of inmates, correctional services staff, consulting healthcare workers and emergency services personnel. 

Meanwhile, more tests were conducted with the 55 identified close contacts as part of the case investigation, of which eight inmates tested positive for this serious infection.  

Of these, the department said, two of them presented mild symptoms, while the other six were asymptomatic. 

“All patients including the deceased fall within the age group of 18 to 23 years old. Immediate contacts of the patients and the deceased have been put in isolation from the rest of the correctional centre section to prevent further spread of the disease.” 

In addition, two staff members displayed symptoms compatible with diphtheria and have received treatment and are still waiting for their laboratory test results. 

The Western Cape Department of Health, working with the Department of Correctional Services, has since embarked on a vaccination campaign in the affected section of the correctional centre. 

The department said two laboratory-confirmed cases of diphtheria disease were recorded earlier in the year from an adult in KwaZulu-Natal and a child in the Western Cape. 

Diphtheria, according to the department is an uncommon, but vaccine-preventable serious infection. The toxin may lead to difficulty in breathing, heart rhythm problems, and even death. 

The bacteria spread from person to person, usually through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing. 

The symptoms of diphtheria include sore throat with the formation of a membrane on the tonsil and throat and swollen glands in the front of the neck. 

Close contacts of known cases are at increased risk of infection, the department explained. 

“Routine diphtheria vaccination is part of the childhood vaccine programme and parents are encouraged to get their children vaccinated.” 

Healthcare workers are urged to maintain a high index of suspicion in order to ensure that cases are detected early, while all individuals are reminded of the importance of ensuring that they and their families are up-to-date with their vaccinations. 

In South Africa, diphtheria-containing vaccine is offered to all children free of charge in public sector facilities at six, 10 and 14 weeks and 18 months as one component of the hexavalent jab. 

“Booster doses are offered at six and 12 years, and to all Grade 5 learners in public schools during the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign.” – SAnews.gov.za

 

Gabisile
Thu, 11/09/2023 - 15:05

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SASOP Speaks Out Against Mental Health Trauma Experienced In The Middle East

Location: MyPR

The South African Society of Psychiatrists (SASOP) appeals to global leaders to put an end to the violence and facilitate humanitarian aid for the people of the Middle East. The situation in the Middle East has evolved into a severe humanitarian crisis. The ceaseless cycle of violence, destruction, and loss of life is taking a …

Read moreSASOP Speaks Out Against Mental Health Trauma Experienced In The Middle East

Phakamisa Sustainability and Innovation Summit advances healthcare resilience in South Africa

Location: News
AstraZeneca

In a boost to South Africa's healthcare resilience, the first Phakamisa Sustainability and Innovation Summit has paved the way for more effective, efficient, and equitable delivery of high-quality healthcare across the country.  

Hosted at the Embassy of Sweden, the first-of-its-kind summit focussed on prevention and early detection, capacity building and health equity, and optimising the use of innovation to build sustainable healthcare systems. The Summit delved into issues of growing concern, including noncommunicable diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease, which have increased dramatically in South Africa in recent decades. [1] Pre-eminent speakers came from across the healthcare ecosystem, including Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, as well as representatives from businesses, patient groups, non-governmental organisations, and the United Nations.

To kick off the event, global pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca signed a partnership agreement with Rare Diseases South Africa, supporting the creation of a national registry for rare diseases and providing training and help for young patients and caregivers aged 18-30 affected by rare diseases. 1 in 15 South Africans is estimated to be affected by rare diseases, the collective name for more than 7,000 different conditions. The partnership will increase understanding of the burden of rare diseases in South Africa and improve equitable health care for those affected.

In addition, AstraZeneca also announced an expansion of its existing collaboration with Medsol AI Solutions, which deploys state-of-the-art Wi-Fi ultrasound probes to detect lesions at high risk of breast cancer in seconds. The AI (Artificial Intelligence) rapid detection app has already been rolled out in rural Melusi and Daspoort Poli Clinics in Tshwane to help with early disease detection. It will now be expanded to breast cancer screening programs at Tintswalo Breast Health Clinic, Groote Schuur Hospital Breast Clinic and Quadcare Clinic in Alexandra.

Pelin Incesu, Area Vice President, Middle East and Africa, AstraZeneca, stated, "In partnership with the government and other stakeholders, AstraZeneca is working tirelessly to strengthen South Africa's healthcare system by focusing on providing equitable access to care and medicines and exploring innovative technology that can detect disease at an earlier stage, improving patient outcomes. The Phakamisa Sustainability and Innovation Summit provides a platform to collectively explore new ways to prevent emerging threats to health like non-communicable diseases, to diagnose patients earlier and quicker, and to ensure all healthcare practitioners have the skills to deliver top-quality care to patients, no matter who they are or where they live.”

Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, Deputy Minister of Health, Republic of South Africa, said, “We are committed to delivering quality healthcare services for all South Africans, and that means working with partners across the public, private and third sector to ensure our health system is sustainable and resilient, able to meet current and future challenges. With non-communicable diseases rising, prevention, early detection, and capacity building are at the forefront of these efforts.”

Kelly Du Plessis, Rare Disease South Africa added, “These agreements are the next step in our mission to create a better tomorrow for the millions of South Africans who have been or will be, diagnosed with a rare disease or congenital disorder in their lifetime. The Phakamisa Sustainability and Innovation Summit is a fitting occasion to announce these partnerships, as improving care for those with rare diseases will help to strengthen our entire health system.”

 

[1] Republic of South Africa, Department of Statistics: https://apo-opa.co/47kDNCI. (Accessed November 2023)

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of AstraZeneca.

For media enquiries, please contact mediamea@astrazeneca.com

About Phakamisa:
Phakamisa is AstraZeneca's access to healthcare initiative in South Africa. Now in its 11th year, Phakamisa, which means “upliftment”, brings together different organisations and is helping to reduce the burden of non-communicable disease including breast cancer, prostate cancer, and lung cancer. The programme has reached over 1.63 million people through outreach activities led by community healthcare workers with over 19 700 women identified with breast issues (https://www.MyPhakamisa.com/).

About AstraZeneca:
AstraZeneca (LSE/STO/Nasdaq: AZN) is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialisation of prescription medicines in Oncology, Rare Diseases, and BioPharmaceuticals, including Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolism, and Respiratory & Immunology. Based in Cambridge, UK, AstraZeneca operates in over 100 countries, and its innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide. Please visit Astrazeneca.com and follow the Company on Twitter (https://apo-opa.co/3QOeunc).

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Two awards recognize Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) innovative use of geospatial technologies

Location: News

Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
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Two innovative products of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) won prizes at the fifth annual GEO SDG Awards, which recognize institutions, organizations and countries that are applying geospatial and Earth observation techniques and innovations towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

FAO won the SDG Custodian Agency Prize for the pathbreaking WaPOR portal, which monitors land and water productivity by remote sensing, and also shared the prize for Statistical-Geospatial Integration for its work with the Lesotho Bureau of Statistics in developing a rapid method of monitoring land cover and ecosystems, key components of SDG 15.

The prizes were organized by Earth Observations for the Sustainable Development Goals (EO4SDG Initiative under the auspices of the Group on Earth Observations (GEO) at an award ceremony in Cape Town, South Africa. The jury comprised a set of experts from different countries and sectors whose selection criteria were the overall impact, quality and soundness of the Earth observation endeavours and their potential for replication and upscaling.

GEO is a partnership of more than 100 national governments and even more participating organizations, representing researchers, data providers and businesses, that advocates for the use of coordinated, comprehensive and sustained geospatial monitoring to support decisions and actions that benefit mankind. GEO coordinates a “system of systems” that includes more than 400 million open-data resources from an array of providers including NASA and the European Space Agency as week as commercial actors.

“We are delighted at the impact and recognition of our innovative geospatial efforts and committed to intensifying this area of activity,” said Lifeng Li, Director of FAO's Land and Water Division.

The winners

WaPOR, formally “Water Productivity through Open access of Remotely sensed derived data”, offers open access to a near real-time database that uses satellite data to monitor agricultural water productivity at various scales.

Rolled out in 2017, it has recently been expanded to encompass the entire globe, and its granularity deepened to the point of measuring evapotranspiration rates on land surfaces as small as 20 meters. These traits help assess exactly when and how much waters crops need, allowing farmers to boost their water-use efficiency and contribute to SDG6.4.1, of which FAO is the custodial agency.

The GEO Award for Statistical-Geospatial Integration was given to the Lesotho Bureau of Statistics and FAO Lesotho for developing a way rapidly to compute the Mountain Green Cover Index at the national level.

The solution uses EOSTAT data disaggregated by elevation zones using Sentinel-2 land cover data. It has proven a game changer, filling pertinent data and gaps, offering significant cost savings on field survey activities, and allowing Lesotho to update its figures for reporting on SDG 15.4.2, which had been stalled for almost a decade.

The approach has also integrated data to identify hotspots of vegetation degradation, monitor the impact of land restoration projects and assess the impact of climate change on ecosystems around the country, further increasing Lesotho's national capacity to produce reliable SDG indicators as well as monitor ecosystem health and landscape trends.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

Read moreTwo awards recognize Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) innovative use of geospatial technologies

Government to tackle plastic pollution with labour, plastic sector

Location: News

Government to tackle plastic pollution with labour, plastic sector

While government has made progress in tackling plastic pollution, it has committed to address the problem of plastic pollution in consultation with the plastic industry and organized labour as the sector sustains approximately 60 000 jobs.

Over the past two years, five registered extended producer schemes that support plastic waste collection and recycling have been registered in the country, resulting in the removal of 368 600 tons of plastic waste from the environment.

“It has supported between 60 000 and 90 000 waste reclaimers and it has promoted hundreds of public clean up and public education initiatives,” Minister of Forestry and Fisheries and Environmental Affairs Barbara Creecy said on Tuesday.

The Minister was addressing the National Stakeholder Consultation Session on the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee third session (INC-3) on the development of the international legally binding instrument on curbing plastic pollution taking place in Nairobi, Kenya.

“South Africa has a significant plastics industry that sustains approximately 60 000 formal jobs. Because of this we will ensure that as we approach the problem of plastic pollution and the measures necessary, we work in consultation with the plastics industry and organized labour.

“In the retail and fast-food space many outlets have substituted single use plastics with bio-degradable products. We now have regulatory requirements for re-cyclate content in plastic and black bags,” the Minister said.

Government’s initiatives to tackle plastic pollution have been done as part of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) initiatives, which is a key policy instrument to address the increasing volumes of plastic pollution.

The Minister said negotiations with the plastic sector must be guided by the following principles:

  • The first is that all decisions must be based on the best available science and what this science is telling us about the impact of certain products on the environment.
  • The second is there needs to be open and transparent sharing of information about the chemicals used in plastic production, given the various applications of plastics in food contact applications;
  • The third is that this new international legally binding instrument will likely result in the need for new regulatory controls on a domestic level;
  • The fourth issue is finance: should the international instrument lead to obligatory measures to curb plastic pollution, there will be a need for these measures to be supported by equally ambitious means of implementation. So developing countries will argue for a financial mechanism that would ensure predictable and adequate financial resources to assist in curbing plastic pollution in developing countries.

Last year, South Africa supported the development of an internationally legally binding instrument to combat plastic pollution at the Fifth Session of the United Nations Environment Assembly in the first quarter of 2022.

“At that time we recognised the threat plastic pollution poses to human health, ecosystem functioning, and the marine environment. In signing up for this process, we recognised our constitutionally imposed obligation to protect our environment and human health.

“Consequently, on the domestic front we understand that this requires a holistic approach that understands the full life-cycle of plastic manufacture, use, and disposal in the context of the National Waste Management Strategy, 2020,” the Minister said.

Accordingly, South Africa has focused on three aspects:

  • Supporting and strengthening municipal waste management services to prevent plastic leaking into the environment;
  • Developing extended producer responsibility schemes to collect, reuse and recycle plastic waste with the aim of promoting a circular economy in the plastic industry;
  • Promoting public awareness and clean up campaigns to remove plastic waste from rivers, wetlands, and beaches.

-SAnews.gov.za

 

nosihle
Wed, 11/08/2023 - 09:10

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Police Committee Resolves not to Include Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (OPCAT) Obligations in Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) Amendment Bill

Location: News

Republic of South Africa: The Parliament
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The Portfolio Committee on Police has today resolved not to include the National Preventative Mechanism's (NPM's) preventive monitoring obligations in the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) Amendment Bill. The committee was of the view that this decision does not cause any prejudice, as the directorate already conducts regular inspection of police cells. The committee took this resolution during its deliberation on the Bill. 

The NPM is an independent mechanism for the prevention of torture, designated or established in accordance with Article 18 of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OPCAT). In terms of the protocol, state parties are required to establish a system of regular visits to places where people are deprived of their liberty, in order to prevent torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment. Parliament ratified OPCAT in 2019. However, there is no domestic legislation currently that regulates the NPM.

Furthermore, the committee held the view that because the NPM membership consists of the South African Human Rights Commission, the Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services, the Military Ombud, IPID and the Health Ombud, it is desirable to have an inclusive Bill to enforce, observe and promote OPCAT obligations. Therefore, the committee committed to consult and engage with various portfolio committees to discuss legislation dealing with OPCAT obligations to ensure that the matter is not dealt with piecemeal.

Meanwhile, the committee requested the Civilian Secretariat for Police to provide progress on the review of the South African Police Service Disciplinary Regulations to ensure that there is alignment with the Bill. The committee will schedule a meeting and has requested a presentation to address the question of the Minister's role in processing the Bill.   

To highlight the importance of public participation in the law-making process, the committee acknowledged the insertion of various recommendations made during public hearings, particularly in relation to the appointment of the executive director and definitions within the Bill.

The committee will on Friday consider the Bill clause by clause and will next week, on Wednesday, consider the A version of the Bill. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Read morePolice Committee Resolves not to Include Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (OPCAT) Obligations in Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) Amendment Bill

Patel unveils strategy charting the course for SA’s Global Business Services

Location: News

Patel unveils strategy charting the course for SA's Global Business Services

Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Ebrahim Patel on Tuesday unveiled a forward-looking strategy charting the course for South Africa's Global Business Services (GBS) sector.

Patel made the announcement during his opening address at the annual BPESA [Business Process Enabling South Africa] GBS | BPO Conference, which took place in Cape Town.

Patel highlighted the sector's pivotal role in job creation and economic expansion, emphasising the vital partnerships between government, private sector and employees.

He noted the GBS sector's achievements, citing its contributions to job growth, geographic expansion and its impact on the national economy.

Government has invested more than R3 billion since 2016 in the sector, which currently employs more than 31 000 employees in firms receiving national government support, earning significant sums of foreign exchange to the country. The industry has a Sector Masterplan that drives its growth and development.

Patel outlined the next phase of the GBS sector, focusing on expanding operations across provinces and towns, with a strong emphasis on high-value services in services in Information Technology, finance, health, legal and retail.

The sector will need to address the challenges of artificial intelligence in consumer servicing markets. Underlining the importance of language and technical skills, he stressed the need to tap into South Africa's diverse talent pool and the country's robust customer service culture.

He noted a number of strengths in the local economy that international investors pointed to as reasons for choosing SA as a destination for their GBS-centres.

South Africa now services markets in the United Kingdom, United States of America, Canada, Australia, China, Mauritius, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany and France.

The sector was youth-focused, with 90% of employees being young people, and six out of ten employees being women.

“The face of the industry is female and young people, which fits in well with our national priorities,” Patel said.

Addressing the crucial issue of ethical sourcing, Patel acknowledged consumers' growing awareness of social and environmental conditions.

He emphasised the industry's commitment to ethical practices and called for improved social impact and strengthened labour relations and decent working conditions, in line with the principles enshrined in the South African constitution.

"Ethical sourcing presents both a market challenge and a tremendous opportunity. As consumers demand transparency in production conditions, we must showcase our strengths while enhancing their impact in local operations," Patel said.

With a government allocation of R569 million to the GBS sector this financial year, these initiatives mark a significant stride toward ensuring the sector's resilience, competitiveness and positive impact on both the national economy and the workforce. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Wed, 11/08/2023 - 14:19

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Navigating Breast Health:

Location: MyPR

In the world of women’s health, breast care is of paramount importance. Understanding the various components of breast health and breast cancer management is crucial. This comprehensive guide provides insights into mammograms, ultrasounds, biopsies, breast cancer, and the associated treatment options, offering a holistic view of this essential aspect of women’s well-being.   Mammograms: Mammography …

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Empowering Health Through Imaging:

Location: MyPR

In the ever-evolving landscape of modern medicine, diagnostic imaging plays a pivotal role in understanding and addressing various health concerns. The power of these technologies extends to the realms of women’s health and general well-being, providing crucial insights for healthcare professionals and patients alike.   Women’s Imaging: Mammograms: Mammography stands as a cornerstone in the …

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Comprehensive Insights into Women’s Imaging Services

Location: MyPR

In the realm of healthcare, a dedicated establishment stands out for its unwavering commitment to women’s well-being. Their array of specialized imaging services offers a holistic approach to women’s health, addressing crucial aspects that demand attention and care. Let’s explore the range of services they provide, each playing a vital role in ensuring the continued …

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SA records over 7 400 malaria cases

Location: News

SA records over 7 400 malaria cases

South Africa has recorded over 7 400 malaria cases between January and October this year, with only 17% of these having been locally acquired. 

This means that more people got infected while out of the country, while the country logged at least 66 deaths during the same period. 

The Department of Health has since urged all people travelling to and from malaria-endemic or high-risk areas to take the appropriate precautionary measures to prevent possible infection, as the country enters malaria season. 

“Summer season marks the start of the malaria period in South Africa due to higher temperatures and increased rainfall in the malaria transmission areas,” the department explained.

Cases are starting to rise in some parts of the country, especially in high-risk areas. 

Malaria symptoms include headache, fever, chills, and muscle and joint pain. The department advised citizens, who experience these signs, to visit their local health facility without delay for effective treatment. 

“Late presentation to a health facility with symptoms is one of the contributing factors to increasing malaria morbidity and mortality rates,” the department said.

Malaria is defined as a life-threatening, but preventable and curable disease. 

“Early detection saves lives,” the department stressed. 

The department has since intensified its malaria response plan through screening and testing around borders in high-risk provinces such as KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and Limpopo throughout the year for early detection of imported cases. 

The department is also embarking on public education campaigns and indoor residual spraying in high-risk areas every year from September until the beginning of the following year. 

The department warned pregnant women and children under five years to avoid visiting malaria-endemic areas, unless they take extra caution.

As the Southern African Development Community (SADC) observed Malaria Day on Monday, the Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) said it continues to target public transport nodes, such as taxi ranks and bus stations, to heighten education among the public on prevention measures.

This comes as Gauteng hospitals reported 1 105 malaria cases and 10 deaths from January to September 2023, as a result of the life-threatening disease spread to humans by mosquitoes in endemic areas.

“The majority of people who were admitted and those who have demised as a result of the disease had travelled to Mozambique, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Angola,” the GDoH said, adding that these countries are known to be malaria-endemic regions. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Tue, 11/07/2023 - 10:08

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Life After Breast Cancer: The Importance of Post-Treatment MRI Scans and Mammograms

Location: MyPR

Introduction A breast cancer diagnosis is a life-altering event that requires courage, resilience, and a strong support system. While the journey through treatment and recovery can be challenging, it is crucial to stay vigilant in the years following your initial diagnosis and treatment and schedule your mammogram at Kempton Park Mammography. Post-treatment monitoring is essential …

Read moreLife After Breast Cancer: The Importance of Post-Treatment MRI Scans and Mammograms

Limpopo Premier to hand over ambulances to Sekhukhune district

Location: News

Limpopo Premier to hand over ambulances to Sekhukhune district

Limpopo Premier Chupu Stanley Mathabatha is expected to hand over 35 brand new ambulances to the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) at district municipality offices in the Sekhukhune District.

The new fleet of EMS vehicles is a major step in the department's ongoing commitment to enhancing healthcare services for all residents in the province.

The handover is a pivotal moment aligning with the goal set by Health MEC, Dr Phophi Ramathuba (during the 2023/24 budget speech) of providing a total of 500 new ambulances.

In recent months, 105 new ambulances have been commissioned and allocated to EMS stations across the province.

Other districts and EMS stations are in the queue to receive new ambulances in the upcoming tranches.

Mathabatha emphasised the crucial role of ambulance services in delivering timely medical care to patients, ensuring immediate attention, providing vital first aid, stabilising patients and preventing the deterioration of their condition.

"Improving our ability to respond swiftly to emergency situations is our top priority," said Mathabatha. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Tue, 11/07/2023 - 09:07

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SA recalls diplomats in Israel for consultation

Location: News

SA recalls diplomats in Israel for consultation

Cabinet has decided to recall all South African diplomats from Tel Aviv for consultation. 

“Cabinet is disappointed by the refusal of the Israeli government to respect international law and its continued undermining of the United Nations resolutions for the implementation of a ceasefire with impunity,” Minister in The Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said on Monday.

Addressing a media briefing in Pretoria, Ntshavheni said the humanitarian corridors for the people of Palestine remain closed, with dire consequences for children, women and innocent civilians.

“The genocidal airstrikes by the government of Israel on the people of Palestine continue, with a rising death toll that includes women and children.

“In the last two days, the world has sat helplessly and watched as intensifying airstrikes on Gaza and the West Bank have destroyed schools, health facilities, ambulances and civilian infrastructure, and supposedly safe roads travelling to the South of Gaza,” the Minister said.

"For these, the Cabinet has decided to recall all South African diplomats from Tel Aviv for consultation."

According to the latest data, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) said at least 9 227 Palestinian civilians have been killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza since 7 October.

Meanwhile, more than 1 400 Israelis, including settlers and soldiers, have been killed in Israel.

Cabinet also noted with disquiet the continuing disparaging remarks of the Israeli’s ambassador to South Africa, Eliav Belotsercovsky, against South Africans, the leadership of South Africa both in and outside government, including civil society, who are speaking against the holocaust being committed by the Israeli government against Palestinians.

“The disparaging remarks of Ambassador Belotsercovsky are contrasted by the statements of two former Israeli ambassadors to South Africa (Illan Baruch and Dr. Alon Liel), who have been consistent in describing the actions of their government against Palestinians as apartheid.

“The disparaging remarks against those speaking up against the atrocities and the country’s leaders make Ambassador Belotsercovsky's position more and more untenable.

“As such, Cabinet has directed the Department of International Relations and Cooperation to convey the South African government displeasure with the ambassador formally through diplomatic channels,” the Minister said.

Minister Ntshavheni was briefing the media on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held on 1 November. – SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Mon, 11/06/2023 - 14:37

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Cabinet concerned about food poisoning of kids

Location: News

Cabinet concerned about food poisoning of children

Cabinet has raised concern on the spate of food poisoning of children from eating expired and contaminated foodstuff from spaza shops and street vendors.

This follows the recent death of children after allegedly consuming poisonous food items bought from spaza shops, which were reported in Gauteng and North West provinces.

“Cabinet is encouraged by the law enforcement efforts to enforce food safety compliance,” Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, said at a post Cabinet briefing on Monday.

Ntshavheni reported that during the recent International Migration Workshop, some of the key outcomes included the introduction of omnibus by-laws to address challenges relating to the enforcement of business by-laws by municipalities and traditional authorities. 

The workshop was hosted by the Home Affairs Department and joined by the Departments of Small Business Development, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, and Human Settlements, as well as traditional leaders and mayors from metropolitans and district municipalities. It focused on curbing the effects of illegal immigration, including the operations of spaza shops.

“There will be immediate joint inspections of businesses, in particular spaza shops, by the Departments of Labour, Health, Small Business Development and Home Affairs immigration inspectorate teams to enforce compliance with applicable laws,” Ntshavheni said.

The workshop also decided that an audit of spaza shops in villages and townships, and mechanisms to register them by both traditional leaders and municipalities, will be undertaken. 

The Minister said there are also efforts to support traditional authorities to keep a record of foreign nationals in their communities.

“Business licensing legislation is being amended to support all those who wish to trade in the informal sector.”

Police commended for dealing with international drug syndicates

Meanwhile, Cabinet has commended the South African Police Service (SAPS) for dealing a massive blow to international drug syndicates.

This follows the discovery of cocaine valued at R80 million, which was seized at a warehouse at Dube Trade Port, within the King Shaka International Airport, on 20 October 2023.

Two days prior to the seizure, another R70 million worth of cocaine was seized from a container at the Durban Harbour.

“Cabinet applauds the SAPS for their work in disrupting and dismantling transnational organised crime that poses a significant threat to our communities and the nation. Operation Safer Festive Season is already yielding results, with police arresting over 140 suspects, including an alleged illegal mining kingpin, and seizing unlicensed firearms,” Ntshavheni said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Mon, 11/06/2023 - 15:05

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Cabinet notes progress in addressing Vaal water, sanitation woes

Location: News

Cabinet notes progress in addressing Vaal water, sanitation woes

Cabinet has noted interventions by government in addressing water and sanitation infrastructure challenges, which had resulted in the collapse of the Vaal waste water system.

Cabinet made the remarks after the recent Presidential Oversight Visit to Emfuleni Municipality.

The oversight visit was a follow-up on engagements with the community during the District Development Model (DDM) visit to Emfuleni in 2022, where issues of poor infrastructure maintenance by municipalities were identified.

Addressing media during post Cabinet briefing on Monday, Minister in The Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said work has been undertaken to improve water supply, including proper functioning of the waste water infrastructure, thus “eliminating the problem of the sewer effluent running on the streets and people’s yards". 

“Progress noted during the visit includes improvements in critical bulk pipelines and water pump stations, resurfacing and resealing of roads, and a massive rollout of streetlights to improve lighting and safety,” Ntshavheni said.

Progress in infrastructure development and maintenance 

Cabinet also commended progress being made with infrastructure development and maintenance, which has seen the completion of 36 rural bridges under the Welisizwe Rural Bridges programme, and the construction of 20 projects in human settlements, roads and water, which are currently underway. 

The Welisizwe bridges project is a government initiative aimed at addressing the backlog of bridges in rural and disadvantaged communities. 

The bridges will improve community access to health facilities, schools and economic amenities.

The project involves the Public Works and Infrastructure Department, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and provincial Transport Departments.

Speaking at the recent launch of the project, Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Sihle Zikalala said an amount of R1.1 billion will be spent per year in the Eastern Cape - which is the pilot for Welisizwe Bridges; KwaZulu-Natal; Free State; Mpumalanga; Limpopo and the North West.

The programme targets rural provinces where there is a backlog in the construction of bridges and a threat to life during rainy seasons. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Mon, 11/06/2023 - 15:27

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Government activities for the week, 6 November – 10 November 2023

Location: News

Government activities for the week, 6 November - 10 November 2023

On Monday, 6 November, the Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, briefs media in Pretoria on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday, 1 November.

From Monday, 6 November, the Minister in the Presidency responsible for Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, is expected to embark on a series of follow-up visits to Eskom power stations. The follow-up visits will begin at Arnot and Hendrina power stations in Mpumalanga on Monday, 6 November.  On Wednesday, 8 November, the Minister Ramokgopa will visit Kriel and Matla power stations in Mpumalanga. On Thursday, 9 November, he will visit Camden power station in Mpumalanga.

On Monday, 6 November, the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, hosts the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Ukraine, Dmytro Kubela, for political consultations.

On Monday, 6 November, the Deputy Minister of Transport, Lisa Mangcu will lead a clean-up and awareness campaign at the Rand West City Local Municipality in Randfontein.

From Monday, 6 November to Tuesday, 7 November, the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) and the Office of the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal embark on a service delivery drive to address psychosocial challenges that women, youth and persons with disabilities are confronted with in Kwa-Nongoma.

On Tuesday, 7 November, the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Barbara Creecy, will host a consultative stakeholder engagement meeting on South Africa’s negotiating position ahead of the third Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC3), which is  scheduled to take place in Nairobi, Kenya from 13 – 19 November 2023.

From Tuesday, 7 November to Thursday, 9 November, the Department of Employment and Labour will host a three-day Occupational Health and Safety Conference in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.

On Thursday, 9 November, the Electoral Commission will present the Atlas of Results for National and Provincial Elections to Parliament.

 

 

Matona
Mon, 11/06/2023 - 12:10

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FEM Launches Health And Safety Magazine

Location: MyPR

October 2023, Johannesburg – This September, the Federated Employers Mutual Assurance Company (RF) (Pty) Ltd (FEM) launched their inaugural Health and Safety Magazine. The publication was launched during FEM’s annual Safetember Conference, an event aimed at shining the spotlight on occupational health and safety. The FEM Health & Safety Magazine is an initiative that emphasises …

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